Coastal board position opens

As expected, Gov. Jerry Brown has signaled that he may replace the region’s coastal commissioner less than two months after Brown’s predecessor filled the position with Pismo Beach City Councilwoman Mary Ann Reiss.

Brown put out a call for applicants Jan. 25, and Reiss told The Tribune on Wednesday that she will reapply, as did San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Bruce Gibson.

Both went for the job in November, after then-Commissioner Katcho Achadjian was elected to the state Assembly, leaving the seat vacant. Reiss was Achadjian’s alternate to the state commission.

Commissioners serve at the pleasure of the governor. Reiss and the governor who appointed her, Arnold Schwarzenegger, are Republicans. Brown, sworn in last month, and Gibson are Democrats.

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Gibson, a Cayucos rancher, is a geophysicist and a former planning commissioner and is widely regarded in the county as a strong environmental advocate. Reiss is a real estate agent. Both have long histories of community involvement, and each has support from other elected officials.

The position must be filled by an elected official from Ventura, Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo counties. Others beside Reiss and Gibson might apply, although none did in November.

The California Coastal Commission, created by voters in 1972, has 12 voting members and three nonvoting members. The powerful — and controversial — board controls land use along California’s coastline.

Reiss and Gibson said they expect the governor to make a decision within 45 days of Jan. 25, when he sent out the request for applications.